Essay Summary and Analysis of Dickens Great Expectations

Great Expectations is a comprehensive novel written by Charles Dickens and shows a moral development of a child. Pip, the main character in the story, is a young orphaned child that lives with his sister and her husband, Joe. He is raised and spends his childhood in the area with Joe, his acquaintance. On a special day, Uncle Pumblechook takes Pip to go play at Miss Havisham’s house. Miss Havisham is very eccentric as she keeps all the clocks in her house kept at the same time and still wears her old wedding dress. This is the beginning of Pip’s life adventure. At the house, Pip meets Estella, who is very mean to him, but he instantly falls in love with her. Pip hopes to be able to marry Estella until Miss Havisham tells Pip to fill out†¦show more content†¦Later on he finds out the Magwitch is the father of Estella and Miss Havisham is to train Estella to be a manipulative person. This is when the story all comes together. If we analyze the story closely, we c an see that everything in this book fits perfectly together like a puzzle. Critical Analysis Great Expectations closely follows the character of a child entering his adulthood with many complications. Pip goes through many life difficulties, which, in the end, ultimately trains him to become a strong person. A clear theme that is seen throughout this story is the development of a child through difficulties in life. As a child matures and grows, the transition from being an innocent, immature individual to a responsible, mature adult is enhanced my difficulties that are stumbled upon in life. When Pip was a child, he is constantly annoyed by her sister’s strict attitude paired with Joe’s kindness. It was kind of an angel and demon situation. Pip always managed to survive between the two, balancing them out. The first life/death decision that Pip made in his life was when the convict â€Å"caught Pip wandering around and demanded Pip for food and a file†. (52) Pip was smart enough to listen to him and not get killed by him, as later seen he does have family background. On the other hand, Pip was silly enough â€Å"to steal food from his own house and bring it to a wanted convict.† (70) But looking at this, we can see the solid foundations of hisShow MoreRelatedEssay Analysis of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens5944 Words   |  24 PagesAnalysis of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens Charles Dickens, the revolutionary 19th century novelist, wrote a bildungsroman of Phillip Pirrip (Pip) and the reality of his own â€Å"Great Expectations† in his pursuit to become a gentleman. In Chapter 8, the reader is introduced to Miss Havisham and Estella and this is where Pip first becomes dissatisfied with the life at the forge. 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Moore, Crossing the Chasm, Marketing and Selling High-Tech Products to Mainstream Customer (revised edition), HarperCollins Publishers, New York, 1999 The high-tech marketing guru (and principle of The Chasm Group marketing consultants), Geoffrey Moore offers time tested insights into the problems and dangers facing growing software companies, and a blueprint for survival. This classic text (first Read MoreGlobal Supply Chain Management Essay examples8909 Words   |  36 Pages3: The Information School 11 Figure 4: The Integration/Process School 11 Figure 5: Global Supply Chain Risk Management and Mitigation Model 23 List of Tables Table 1: Summary of Risks 17 Table 2: Summary of Risks 18 Table 3: External Risks in Supply Chain 19 Table 4: Internal Risks in Supply Chain 19 Table 5: Summary of Risks 20 List of Abbreviations GSC†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.Global Supply Chain GSCM†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.....Global Supply Chain Management SCM†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...†¦.Supply Chain Management MNC†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦MultinationalRead MoreANALIZ TEXT INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS28843 Words   |  116 Pagesï » ¿TEXT INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS The purpose of Text Interpretation and Analysis is a literary and linguistic commentary in which the reader explains what the text reveals under close examination. Any literary work is unique. It is created by the author in accordance with his vision and is permeated with his idea of the world. The reader’s interpretation is also highly individual and depends to a great extent on his knowledge and personal experience. That’s why one cannot lay down a fixed â€Å"model†Read MoreEarnings Management and Corporate Governance in Bangladesh (the Role of the Board and the Audit Committee)9321 Words   |  38 PagesBusiness University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) Subject: Internship report on â€Å"Earnings Management and Corporate Governance in Bangladesh (The Role of the Board and the Audit Committee)† Dear Sir: With due respect and honor that I have the great pleasure and opportunity to submit an internship report. I joined in the First Security Islami Bank Limited for the internship and worked on â€Å"Earning Management and Corporate Governance in Bangladesh (The Role of Board and Audit Committee)†. 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The Concept Of Religion And Culture - 1119 Words

Members: Harozo, Mohammad, Joanne, Timothy CULTURE AND RELIGION This wiki will focus on the concept of religion and culture. The areas that will be covered are: †¢ Introduction †¢ How are people’s social norms and standards influenced by religion and culture? †¢ How do people from different religions and cultures practice their beliefs and traditions †¢ The affect that religion and culture has on Australian †¢ Key Thinkers - Matthew Arnold INTRODUCTON What is culture? The term culture can be defined as â€Å"the collective programming of the mind distinguishing the members of one group or category of people from others† (Hofstede Hofstede Minkov, 2010). Every culture has their own social norms and traditions that they follow. According to Spencer-Oatey (2012) there are three fundamental levels within the concept of culture. The first level is ‘Observable artifacts’, which are the physical appearance such as dress code and their behavior (Schein 1990). The second level, which is ‘values’, is their beliefs and social standards. These lead to the third level ’basic underlying assumptions’. This is the way that people think and feel. (Spencer-Oatey, 2012) What is religion? In 1958 Walter Houston Clark studied the definition of the term ‘religion’ through questioning social scientist and other scholars. One of the definitions from an anthropologist was Religion con- sists of those values shared by a group of people which are alsoShow MoreRelatedBecause Religion Is A Difficult Concept To Define, It Faces1709 Words   |  7 PagesBecause religion is a difficult concept to define, it faces several criticisms. To this day, it has never been possible to find a definition of religion that pleases the majority of the population. However, researchers in this area have never felt the need to have a definition to carry out their research. Religion is a somewhat different concept of economy, politics or history and the difficulty of defining it comes from the fact that these are not index terms but rather general concepts thatRead MoreEssay on Islam: A Religion and Culture1630 Words   |  7 PagesIslam: A Religion and Culture Islam is one of the oldest religions in history dating back to about 600 AD. It began when a man named Muhammad heard a voice from the heavens instructing him to proclaim the word of god. Currently there are over 800 million followers of the Muslim religion. The main text of the religion is the Quran which is said to be the word of God, or Allah as called in Muslim. Within the Quran, The five pillars of Islam are proclaimed along with many other concepts very uniqueRead MoreAmerican Culture: Religion and the Romanticism Movement805 Words   |  3 PagesAmerican Culture: Religion and the Romanticism Movement For decades, religious aspects have constantly changed, been opposed, and have also influenced the American Culture. Much controversy is involved in religion because of the effect it has on the nation and how it reflects upon significant political figures. From early to mid-1800, Romanticism, a period involving literature, art, and theoretical ideas, impacted America as well, although it originated in Europe. Religion and Romanticism helpedRead MoreHow Important Is Religion Today Compared To Science? Essay example1620 Words   |  7 PagesHow important is religion today in comapared to science? ‘We need religion but really its just something to calm us down. Like music Nowadays, as soon as the smoothening word ‘religion is uttered people conjure images calculating created by the media, often this is associated with injustice, discrimination and distortion: they think of ‘distrustful Muslims, the 9/11 incident, which despite media reports and so-called ‘evidence has not yet verified that Muslim ‘terrorist elites were theRead MoreA Comparsion of the Bhagavad Gita vs The Gospels Essay1160 Words   |  5 PagesComing from a western culture, it is easy to familiarize with the Gospels over any other written text. In order to get a different perspective on the outlook of life, it is better to compare the Gospels to another written text. A text that is an excellent candidate to stand up next to the Gospels is the Bhagavad-Gita (or just the Gita). These two texts can depict similarities and differences between the two cultures presented: Christianity and Hinduism. Keeping an open mind when reading culturalRead MoreWestern Culture And Its In fluence On Modern Culture1235 Words   |  5 Pagesprevalence of these institutions is not specific to the United States’ culture, but present in all cultures labeled as inherently â€Å"western.† The concept of institution is an idea constructed by humans, and as a human construct, the idea must have implemented itself successfully into human culture to be present today. Western culture (today primarily North America and Europe), has developed from a focus on a strong reliance on the concept of institutions, and those institutions that controlled the mostRead MoreImportance of History Essay905 Words   |  4 Pagesinfluences that molded the world and culture we live in. The ancient civilizations of the Greeks, Hebrews and Romans contributed to our modern civilization, not just the eastern-European but western civilization as well. 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I particularlyRead MoreSyncretism, By Anita Maria Leopold919 Words   |  4 Pagesand lastly the study of transforming religion into three leveled categories social, semiotic and cognitive. Syncretism can said to be the combination of dif ferent beliefs, it is the merging of several traditions. Scholars have said syncretism is an objective scientific category. Many societies have led to new forms of religions which have encouraged the making of new religious traditions (696). One of Anita’s main points is the focus on the history of religion. The theologist Georg Calixt was blamedRead MoreBasics Concepts of Unity and Integration807 Words   |  4 PagesBASICS CONCEPTS OF UNITY AND INTEGRATION Unity is generally known as the united of different social and cultural backgrounds, into one physical entity. National unity is one of the targets of government policies in task to promote the greater integration amongst different race, different background of country’s committees. The unity of the country will be exist when the sharing of power, a democratic government sound economic distribution and cultural tolerance were found. For example, in Malaysia

Celebration of Independence Day in Bangladesh free essay sample

Thus Bangladesh plunged into a gory war seeking its own birth. Independence Day is commonly associated with parades, fairs, concerts, ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, and traditions of Bangladesh including the paying of respects at Jatiyo Smriti Soudho, the national memorial at Savar near Dhaka. Generally, a thirty-one gun salute is conducted in the morning. All schools of Fundacion Intervida celebrated Independence Day with great enthusiasm. To celebrate the day, discussion meeting and cultural program was organized and conducted. Discussion meeting focusing the background history of liberation, about the nature and effect of war and the importance of independence was discussed in a way so that children can understand. At the end of the meeting, a cultural program was held in each school. Cultural program was organized with recitation, dance, short play and music. The most important thing is that the program was organized, conducted and facilitated by the children. We will write a custom essay sample on Celebration of Independence Day in Bangladesh or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It is an example of children participation and empowerment for which Intervida has been working. Attendance on celebration day is remarkable. It is more than 95%. [pic]

Peter Shaffers Amadeus Essays - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart In Fiction

Peter Shaffer's Amadeus I believe that there are two ways to critique Peter Shaffer's Amadeus. The first, and the easiest for me, is as an artistic work only. As an artistic endeavor, Amadeus is a triumph. Particularly stunning is F. Murray Abraham's performance as the tortured Court Composer Antonio Salieri. Abraham portrays a talented yet mediocre musician who, having revered God all his life, shows us clearly that pride goeth before the fall. It is Salieri's greed for fame, and pride in his own moral goodness that lead him to denounce Mozart as a fiend. When God continues to shower favor upon mozart, Salieri renounces God, and vows that he will be the instrument to thwart God. Salieri's Fall from Grace is brilliantly documented, and Abraham's performance utterly believable. Tom Hulce does a splendid job portraying Shaffer's Mozart. His wild antics and child-like behavior are charming, his laugh infectious and singular, and his mannerisms unique. However, it is the moments when a different Mozart is glimpsed -- the tender father, the infuriated court composer, and the dying genius -- that Hulce's talent shines through. To play a buffoon well is one thing, and to show a serious side to that buffoon another. To do it all convincingly is the key to the range of Hulce's abilities. Additionally, the film is beautifully shot, the costumes enchanting and the set design marvelously detailed. The lighting in the final scene (depicted above), with its contrasting dark shadows and harsh glare, is especially creative. This Academy Award-winning film was crafted with great skill, and is worthy of the acclaim it received. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The second way to analyze this film is as a factual account of history, and here is fails miserably. It is true that Peter Shaffer himself calls it a fantasia based on fact. It is not a screen biography of Mozart, and was never intended to be. The argument, of course, is to say that this film gave many people that first real exposure to Mozart, and as a result, gave them untruths upon which to base their knowledge. That is to say, to the everyday person who knows nothing of Mozart, there is no reason to think the events described in Amadeus are anything but the truth. Why perpetuate rumors and myths, when the truth is available? I choose not to enter into this argument. There are valid points to be made on either side. I will, however, point out some of the more glaring mistakes: * While the movie shows the dying Mozart dictating his Requiem to Salieri, it actually was his pupil and assistant S?ssmayr who helped him with it and finally completed the score. The existence of S?ssmayr, as well as that of Lorenzo da Pointe, is nowhere mentioned in the movie, though they each played a far more critical role in Mozart's life than many of the characters who are shown in the film. * Constanze Mozart may have been prone to spending time at the spa in Baden, but she hever packed up and ran out on her husband, as she is made to do in the movie. Nor did she ever throw Mozart's father out of the house. * The Mozarts had two surviving children, not one as depicted in the film. Additionally, four children died in infancy. *Salieri never planted a servant girl in the Mozart household as a spy, nor was it he who commissioned Mozart to compose the Requiem. * Neither Mozart nor Salieri ever conducted an entire performance with two hands; the late 18th century practice generally was to conduct from the keyboard. This is one of a number of stylistic gaffes in the movie. (from Amadeus: A Mozart Mosiac) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ However, a third element overpowers all of these concerns as to the worth of Amadeus. The presentation of Mozart's music, brilliantly performed by the Academy of St. Martin-In-The-Fields and conducted by Neville Marriner, is breathtaking. Whatever other criticisms there are to make of this film, it cannot be denied that it brought about a resurgence of Mozart's works into popular culture. A personal favorite is the Serenade for Winds, K. 361, 3rd movement. As Salieri describes, this piece is exemplary of Mozart's true genius:

Ku Klux Klan Essays (629 words) - Antisemitism In The United States

Ku Klux Klan Michael Vieira Sociology 5/12/00 The Ku Klux Klan The KKK is a movement that has been very controversial since the Civil War. The Klan as they call themselves was created as a result of the occupation of Federal troops in the South. The KKKs purpose at the time was to provide the people of the south with the leadership to bring back the values of Western Civilization that was taken from them. In the 1920s the Klan had its most popular era. At this time the KKK was the most active politically then it has ever been in history. The KKK still exists today as a brotherhood and a new White racial community that lives and functions by the ideals it promotes. Today the Klan is in its 5th era and continues to be Americas oldest and most effective White Christian Fraternal organization. The Klan stands for many things: The White Race, America First, (First before any foreign or alien influence or interest, and a foreign policy of military non-intervention.) The Constitution, (As originally written and intended. The finest system of government ever conceived by man, who is based on the Holy Bible and Christian Common Law.) Free Enterprise, (Private property and ownership of business, but an end to high-finance exploitation. We advocate economic nationalism and we oppose the Federal Reserve Bank and so-called free trade.) Positive Christianity, (The right of the American people to practice their Christian faith - including prayer in schools. Many Klan members and supporters are involved with the growing Christian Identity religion, which continues to unite the Christian Patriot Movement in the United States.) The Knights of the Ku Klux Klan is a fraternal, patriotic movement promoting the ideals of Western Christian Civilization and White Racial political self-determination. It is a duly incorporated, non-profit, legally recognized institution, working to rebuild our collapsing society on the principles of Christian honor, honesty, duty, courage, brotherhood, and patriotism. As the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan strive toward the ideals it wants for tomorrow, it lives by those today. In order to become a member of the KKK a person has to meet the following criteria 100%, (the KKK is not an open membership movement) Only pure White Christian people of non-Jewish, non-Negro, non-Asian descent who are at least eighteen years old and who pledge to dedicate their lives to this cause can enter the Ku Klux Klan. Those under the age of eighteen can join the Klan Youth Corp. with parental consent. The Ku Klux Klan is a strictly law-abiding organization. Every member is sworn to uphold the law and the principles of justice. The name Ku Klux Klan comes from the Greek word kuklos, meaning circle, because in it is contained some of the unique characteristics of the White or Aryan race. The wheel is a symbol of creativity therefor the creativity of the White races, and the circle is the oldest symbol of unity. Ku Klux was simply taken from the word kuklos and Klan was added. According to the Klan, it is still around because of the name and symbols break through the paper curtain of the anti-White media and brings us to the attention of those who want to learn more about us. Today it is trying to prevent people from taking away your guns, against promoting homosexuals in schools, against permitting the flood of illegal aliens coming across our borders that then tax you to death in order to pay for welfare and other give-away programs. In conclusion the KKK is a movement with very strong beliefs and many deep roots in its history. The KKK is an ongoing movement that will be around until all there demands are met.

LEssentiel - Essential French Phrases

LEssentiel - Essential French Phrases Even if youre just going to France for a week, you should know some survival French - a few essential words and phrases that youll use over and over. This is a somewhat miscellaneous list of the basics, so be sure to follow the links at the end for even more essential French like hello and please.Je parle (un peu de) franà §ais  Ã‚  Ã‚  I speak (a little) French.Parlez-vous anglais ?  Ã‚  Ã‚  Do you speak English?Comment ?  Ã‚  Ã‚  What?Je ne comprends pas.  Ã‚  Ã‚  I dont understand.Que veut dire ___ ?  Ã‚  Ã‚  What does ___ mean?Rà ©pà ©tez, sil vous plaà ®t.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Repeat, please.Plus lentement  Ã‚  Ã‚  More slowlyEncore une fois  Ã‚  Ã‚  One more timeComment dit-on ___ en franà §ais  ?  Ã‚  Ã‚  How do you say ___ in French?Je ne sais pas  Ã‚  Ã‚  I dont knowJai une question  Ã‚  Ã‚  I have a questionJai un problà ¨me  Ã‚  Ã‚  I have a problemoui  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  yesnon  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  nosi  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  yes (in reponse to a negative question)daccor d  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  OKet  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  andou  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  orqui  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  whoquoi  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  what*quand  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  whenoà ¹Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  wherepourquoi  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  whycomment  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  how*Be careful, there are several ways to say what in French. Practice Essential French Vocabulary Essential French quizCrossword puzzleWord seek More essential French 100 essential French wordsEssential French gesturesEssential French grammarEssential French phrasesEssential French verbsEssential French for travelersHow to say ___ in French For more in-depth study, check out French for Beginners.

An article on the Consitution of The US Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

An article on the Consitution of The US - Essay Example ted States are entitled within restraint of the law and are still in use today as much as they had ever been, with the first ten articles being known as the Bill of Rights. Although every state had something to gain from the signing of the Constitution, it was Pennsylvania that had much to strive for by the new laws written in the document, such as more freedom and more rights that they could benefit from, as well as having the honor of being the location decided upon for the convention to take place. When it comes to politics, many people find it hard to become excited, yet by becoming the home of such an important event and document, the people of Pennsylvania quickly felt like they were truly Americans. Of the thirty-nine delegates to sign the Constitution, eight of them came from and represented Pennsylvania: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Mifflin, Robert Morris, George Clymer, Thomas Fitzsimons, Jered Ingersoll, James Wilson, and Gouverneur Morris (Webster, 2010). All of these Pennsylvanian men are also considered to be among the Founding Fathers of the United States as they were behind some of the more drastic changes that the nation has ever seen, including the signing of the documents that would change the laws and freedoms in which a United States citizen was entitled to, as well as presidencies and highly looked upon government careers. All of these men had strong political backgrounds and experiences with working for law-driven changes, which gave them the knowledge that they needed to adopt the laws and articles in the Constitution. As political figures, they knew what citizens required to live free, fulfilling lives, as well as what legal issues needed to be addressed, such as what rights citizens were entitled to and what rights needed to be altered in accordance to the demands of the citizens and the needs of the time, like gun laws and criminal rights laws. It had been readily agreed upon that the people that should be in charge of creating such laws

Explain why successful projects start with accurate project definition Term Paper

Explain why successful projects start with accurate project definition and are delivered through open and adaptive project systems - Term Paper Example This is the reason why experts advise against closed systems, which do not present any level of adaptability. This paper will demonstrate that accurate project definition and the adoption of open and adaptive systems are factors that lead to the success of a project. Project Definition is a complex process that is defined by Kà ¤hkà ¶nen (1998, p. 625) as â€Å"The process prior to final investment decision-making†. This process has crucial element, which is the recognition of the clients or stakeholders’ necessities and â€Å"specification†. Specifically trying to understand the stakeholder’s needs in order to deliver an adequate outcome, with keeping into consideration the three main factors that will measure the performance of this project, which are time, budget, and quality; project manager and his team must be aware of this element and they should understand them clearly (Cano & Lidà ³n 2011, p. 528). This process considered a vital stage since all hazards that might emerge and is associated with the project will be examined (Neal 1995, p. 5). In order to fulfill and cover more aspects of the definition Walker highlighted an important side which most of the definitions lacked it. He mentioned the resources, w hich includes people who are a key factor to deliver the project. Since the projects cannot be achieved without managing people and by their work, it is essentially vital to include them in the definition (Gibson Jr & Cho 2000, p. 115). Kà ¤hkà ¶nen stated that in order to boost the possibility of achieving an effective project, there are two points; initially, there should be â€Å"strategic information† to make sure that the possessor has a clear and adequate knowledge of the chances that will lead to an effective project. Second, the fundamental venture execution plans must be considered as an important part of the definition. From the same point of view, Cano and Lidà ³n addressed it briefly as clarifying and building an accurate

Global Strategy and operations Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Global Strategy and operations Paper - Essay Example The assumption that budget considerations have already been considered will be emphasized and adapting the tools necessary for business success will be achieved with theoretically approved business dollars. Creating a new business venture is a difficult operation when taking into account the multiple variables to achieve a successful launch. Even more complex is the operations planning involved in creating a business division constructed overseas. Cultural considerations of the indigenous population where the business will be centered must be taken into consideration, as well as any ethical expectations of how the company should perform its transactions. Adopting appropriate Information Technology and research and development (R & D) lies in understanding how the overseas entity will function in its production, distribution, and in generating innovative products. The first step in the successful launch of Global Beauty Cosmetic Center (GBCC), the business entity being launched in Costa Rica, is to understand the methods in communicating with its partner in the United States. Interoffice memorandum, as distributed via postal services, would certainly be an inefficient method to conduct internal business. From an operations perspective, adopting an effective e-mail/communications system would be an integral component in shortening response time between divisions. Implementation of such a system is a relatively simple process, as well-established technologies exist for these purposes. The business will rely on delivering a team of IT professionals to Costa Rica to generate this system, and all other IT needs, and report back to headquarters of its test and successful incorporation. Achieving successful inputs will be crucial to the success of Global Beauty Cosmetic Center. Inputs consist of the supplies needed to create the beauty products, including raw materials, labor issues (payroll), and facilities management (Gomez-Mejia, et al 2005).

Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD)

Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) Title: Discuss the nurse led intervention in relation to secondary prevention for COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) is a growing health concern today all over the world. The World health Organization predicts that by 2020 COPD will rise from it’s current ranking of 12th most prevalent disease worldwide to 5th and from 6th most common cause of death to 3rd.(Murry 1997) Another study by WHO(2002) states that COPD is the third largest cause of respiratory death and account for 20% of respiratory mortality. According to research conducted in UK, around 900000 patients are suffering from COPD in England and Wales currently (NICE 2004). Numbers of patients affected by COPD are increasing in UK and it has taken over the place of heart diseases as one of the major killer diseases leading to 30000 deaths per year. (Gibson 2003). Reason for dramatic increase in COPD includes reduced mortality from other diseases like heart diseases in industrialization countries and infectious diseases in developing countries with marked increase in cigarettes smoking and environmental pollution all over world. COPD is a chronic progressive disorder characterized airway obstruction with little or no reversibility. COPD affects bronchi, bronchioles and lung parenchyma with predominance on distal airways. It involves two clinical condition- chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Most patients with COPD have both pathological condition but relative extent of emphysema and chronic bronchitis is variable in individual patient. Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema Chronic bronchitis is defined as a cough productive of sputum on most days for 3 months for successive 2 years. Cough is due to hyper secretion of mucus not necessarily accompanied by air flow obstruction. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by enlargement and multiplication of mucus glands, resulting increased airway mucus production. Evidence suggests that apart from quantity, quality in the form of composition of mucus is also altered becoming more viscous. Mucus is one of the important component in pathophysiology of COPD. Increased secretion of mucus is the result of goblet cell hypertrophy on exposure to various noxious stimuli. This mucus affects pulmonary function in various ways. Increased secretion for prolong period leads to decrease in FEV1 which is promotional to degree of hyper secretion .Excess mucus causes airway obstruction by accumulation in peripheral airways and increased airway resistance. Additionally, there is thickening of airway wall and infiltration with lymphocytes, neutrophils and macrophages leading to fibrosis. In contract to asthma, infiltration of lymphocytes and neutrophils are found in greater number in airway lumen. In the event of exaggeration of COPD, Eosiniphils are also observed in airway lumen. Inflammatory process in COPD is powered by interaction of proteolytic enzymes and several chemokines, as sputum of patients with COPD shows increased amount of Leucotriene B4, interleukin- 8 and tumor necrosis factor. Emphysema is defined as enlargement of airspaces distal to terminal bronchioles with destruction of alveolar wall resulting loss of elasticity of lung and closure of small airways. Elastic recoil of alveolar attachment helps to maintain the patency of airway lumen especially during expiration. With destruction of connective tissue matrix of alveolar walls by proteolytic enzymes called proteases, released by inflammatory cells in the alveolar wall causing destruction of elastin, affects structural integrity of alveolar wall. Pathological changes in emphysema are related to proteolytic activity of these enzymes. In peripheral airways of patients with COPD, there is airflow limitation due to loss of alveolar attachments, inflammatory obstruction of airways and luminal obstruction with mucus. The airway narrowing in COPD is the end result of combination of structured inflammatory narrowing, loss of elastic recoil and loss of alveolar attachments. One of the important effects of risk factors of COPD is abnormality in ciliary function. Airway wall is lined by cilia which act as a force to propel mucus or foreign body towards trachea for coughing it out. Mucociliary function is affected by thick and tenacious mucus. It also increases the risk of infection due to accumulation in airway causing recurrent infection in lungs and further lung damage. Mucus plugging and pulmonary infection contributes to V/Q mismatch and hypoxia eventually. Acute hypoxia caused dyspnoea affecting other systems of the body. Chronic hypoxia leads to pulmonary hypertension and right sided failure. Other pathophysiological consequences of COPD include abnormalities in pulmonary function, the mechanism of gas exchange. Risk factors for COPD There are several factors responsible for development of COPD called risk factors. Smoking cigarettes, both active and passive, is considered the major causative factor in development of COPD. More than 80% of COPD patients are or were smokers (Gibson 2003). Air pollution, industrial smoke and chemicals used in industry are responsible for development of COPD. Exposure to industrial dust is a causative factor in diseases like asbestoses, mesothelioma and black lung disease. Infection especially in early childhood and frequent exposure to allergens leading to changes in airway are contributing factors in development of COPD. People with Alfa -1 antitrypsin deficiency are more likely to develop COPD due to genetic defect in production of enzyme alfa-1 antitrypsin. It is believed that patients having periodontal diseases are more likely to develop COPD as the bacteria casing periodontal diseases travel to lung and cause infection and inflammation. Babies with low birth weigh have shown increase incidence of COPD and poor nutrition during fetal development leading to small dysfunctional lung is considered the responsible factor for development of COPD. COPD in more common in men, over sixty years of age. At this age it is at its highest level of development, which started in young age. Out of all the risk factors discussed smoking cigarettes is most important factor in causing COPD. Effects of smoking cigarettes on human body are due to nicotine present in a cigarette. Nicotine molecule was produced over 60 million years ago by tobacco plant to overcome insect herbivores. Tobacco introduced in Europe in 1492 when Christopher Columbus sailed to America and its cultivation then spread to many parts of world (Corti 1931). Today tobacco is widely prevalent in society in the form of cigarette smoking. Typical cigarette contain 9 mg of nicotine of which 1 mg is absorbed by smoker. Burning tobacco produce a complex mixture of compounds divided in gas and particulate phase components. In gas phase component, carbon monoxide (4%) forms the significant amount in concentration in addition to nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide. The particulate phase component is consisting of aerosol of tar. Tar is the sticky, brown, residual substance left after removal of nicotine and moisture. Both gas and particulate phase are responsible for COPD Delivery of smoke compound is variable according to type of tobacco used in cigarette, addition of filter and the vigor with which an individual smokes cigarette. Smoking affects lung at the level of bronchi, bronchiole and lung parenchyma. Tobacco smoke affects structure and function of bronchial mucous gland. Number and size of mucus secreting glands increase due to smoking leading to more production and deposition of mucus in airway. Tobacco smoke also produces structural changes in airway cilia. These changes are related to dose and duration of smoke exposure. It also affects the function of cilia with abnormal clearance of secretion. Additionally, it also cases narrowing of small airways with inflammation and fibrosis. Apart from this, smoking has some short term effects like increase in carboxyhaemoglobin, decreased appetite and emotional dependence on nicotine. COPD is treated with elimination of risk factors, bronchodilators such as beta-agonists and anti-cholinergic, corticosteroids, low concentration of oxygen and mucus thinner like guaifenesic. The cost of COPD is enormous as economic burden on health care system, society, patients and their family is significant. An audit of 1400 patients admitted in a hospital revealed that 34% patients readmitted and 14% had died within 3months. (Roberts 2002) It is imperative to act upon risk factors responsible for COPD. Smoking is major risk factor for development of COPD and it is never too late to stop smoking and benefits starts immediately. (Price 2004).Usually smoking starts in teen age and continues for long time, but those who have never smoked remain non-smoker for many years. Study indicated decline in number of male smokers in UK from 70% in 1950 to 28% in 1998 (Macfadyen 2001).More positively, men are giving up smoking in increasing number. These changes in behavior of people in society towards smoking are the result of implementation of health promotion strategies in communities. Health promotion is the science and art of helping people changing life style to move towards the state of optimum health. Optimum health is defined as a balance of physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual health (Irwin 2005) Health promotion is directing the plan to foster communities’ abilities to take effective actions at local level. It covers the methods to map and mobilize local resources, to activate citizens, government for management of positive changes, and transform institutions into health promoting environment. It involves the actions to improve ability of health care system for primary and secondary prevention and assist citizens in taking control and improve their own health by behavior and lifestyle changes. Life style changes can be facilitated with combination of enhanced awareness and creating environment that support good health practice. Health promotion is that element of public health that focus on social conditions for maintenance and development of better health for productive society. Evaluation of health education programmes reveled that change in knowledge did not result in action and improved health. Knowledge alone is not sufficient but people need the confidence that they can change their lives. Hubley (2002) explained that health empowerment has two components self efficacy and health literacy. Self efficacy implies feeling of power and control and confidence of taking action. Health literacy is related to ability to communicate health related issues. .Health literacy is achieved only by means of health education leading to understanding of health issues and application of it in decision making. Many traditional health education methods rather disempower person by creating more dependency on health professionals. Important element in health promotion is to provide cognitive input through educational process which will not undermine community confidence. Health education using participatory learning methods creates a way forward for heath literacy and self efficacy. Nurses in health care set up facilitate these components of health promotion by helping smoking cessation in society and directing health care for secondary prevention of COPD. Nurses as health care professionals act by providing information and support to smokers either by telephone contact or nurse led clinic to obtain objective of reducing smoking in communities. There are clear objectives for nurses in smoking cessation programmes of advocating positive social and environment changes for health promotion and organizing supporting activities that leads to secondary prevention of health related morbidity and mortality. It is important for nurses to educate the people to influence the positive behavior changes in health related issues. Apart from providing information, it is important for nurses to use the information to bring change by communicating and convincing smokers and organizing individual action. Government says that smokers are four times more likely to quit smoking using NRT with local NHS stop smoking programme than if they only rely on their will power. (DH 2004) Smoking is seen in three phases: initiation, maintenance and cessation. Initiation occurs in early teens and begins with experimentation with cigarettes. There is evidence that adolescent of more rebelling or risk taking, out going nature are more likely to take up cigarettes. Individuals of more neurotic personality are also more prone to take up cigarettes. Some degree of genetic predisposing has also been observed, which not particularly specific to nicotine but also for alcohol and caffeine. High status individuals in media also have great influence in initiation of smoking. Maintenance of smoking is promoted by direct and indirect effect of nicotine releasing central dopamine, noradrenalin and opiate peptides. It helps in coping with stress and also improves performance due to its tranquillizing effect, in a variety of tasks but it eventually leads to dependence, addiction and withdrawal symptoms. On initial contact with patient, nurse establishes that the person is a smoker and obtains informed consent from person. Nurse gives a questionnaire to patient to know smoking history of patient in the form of numbers of cigarettes smoked in a day by a person. It also includes disclosure of information about duration and pattern of smoking. Nurses then assess the willingness of the person to stop smoking. By asking smoker to rate the importance of quitting on a scale one to ten, with one number having least importance. Smokers are also asked to rate their confidence in their ability to quit. This gives an idea to nurse about the readiness of a smoker for quitting. Nurse also assess level of breathlessness in patient with COPD, which is graded as follows (Gibson 2003). Not troubled by breathlessness on strenuous exercise. Breathlessness when walking uphill Walks slower than counterpart on the level because of breathlessness Stops to take a breath after 100m or a few min on the level Too breathless leave the home or breathless on dressing. After initial assessment, nurse counsel patient to educate and prepare him/ her to take action to quit smoking. Nurse explains the benefits of smoking cessations with emphasis on the explanation that a person starts getting benefits immediately after stopping and set a quit day with explanation of problem they may come across. In clinic, most patients say they would like to give up and also tried to stay away from cigarette (Percival 2004).A study indicates that long term success of smoking cessation depends on several factors like low daily cigarettes and delayed first cigarette of day; low consumption of alcohol or caffeine, high socioeconomic class; non smoking spouse and less neurotic or depressive personality. Some evidence also suggests that women find it difficult to give up. It is important for the nurses to now the degree of self confidence from the outset that the goal will be achieved and absence of stressful episodes during the therapy as contributing factors for long term abstinence from smoking. Study suggests that, persons usually give up smoking after five to six trial and error sequences. (Gibson 2003) The duration of therapy is usually six weeks. Nurses lead session either in a group or one to one and manage for regular follow up. After initial contact, nurses remain in contact with person by telephone or in clinic at 2 days, one week, three weeks and three months interval. Patients are given booklet about COPD and disadvantages of smoking. Booklet also contains the benefit s of quitting smoking. It also explains the patient about how to quit smoking, how to cope with withdrawal symptoms like need to smoke, depression, irritability, insomnia, difficulty in concentration, restlessness and increased appetite Patients with strong withdrawal urge are explained about NRT. At the end of six weeks patients have consultation with nurses. Those who continued smoking or relapsed are offered additional support. Anti smoking public health campaign helps smokers by drawing attention more frequently and pushing them to take action. It also helps nurse in facilitating their advice. Self reported motivation of smokers, wish to avoid further health problem and in some cases actual ill health are important factors in giving up smoking. For example, a pregnant lady is inclined to give up smoking to avoid harm to her baby. Smokers receiving advice from hospital physician specially after admission for myocardial infarction had quit rate of 50%, compared to success rate for advice by physician in general practice of around 5% in unselected patients.(Pety 2000 ) Concern of passive smoking and many times social pressure by family and friends also contributes in moving forward for help in smoking cessation clinic. Rising price of cigarettes and ban or restriction of smoking in public places also tend to discourage smokers. Socioeconomic model suggest that for every one percentage rise in cigarette price leads to 0.5 % drop in consumption (NICE 2004).Smoking advertisements and perceived status of smoking from them are significant factors in encouraging people to become smoker. Nurse encourages person in finding alternate source of enjoyment and different coping strategies in the event of stress leads to successful outcome on long term. Nurse also takes help of specialist in search for other ways of mastering concentration during sustained task. Nurse also asks spouse to quit smoking to create the environment for behavior change. Many smokers have poor central control system for arousal reward and punishment, and then alternative strategies may involve physical sports, mental relaxation, assertiveness techniques and different scheduling for work activities. Nurses help smokers understanding and reducing the image smoking as’ something exciting and sophisticated’. Most smokers give up with the help of their own efforts but those who cannot manage themselves nurses propose specific methods with the social support. For those , who will not give up in immediate future some damage limitation can be achieved by production of safe cigarettes; transfer to pipe or cigar or chewing tobacco; other formulation of tobacco like nicotine gum, nasal spray, transdermal patch inhalable aerosol- called nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Before starting medication nurse rules out contraindication for medication like severe cardiovascular diseases, recent MI, severe cardiac arrhythmia, recent CVA, transient ischemic attack, pregnancy and breast feeding. Variety of other drugs apart from medications used for NRT are also used in practice which counteract unpleasant aspects of nicotine withdrawal, includes amphetamine, benzodiazepines, ACTH, vasopressin, clonidine, fluoxetine, bupropion and naloxone. Mecamylamine (nicotinic antagonist) is another important medicat ion used in smoking cessation. Nicotine replacement therapy in the form of nicotine gum or patch is better than smoking and decrease health risk. NRT and bupropion are prescribed to those who have set a date as a target to stop smoking. Transfer to pipe decrease the risk of lung damage, but can not protect upper oesophageal tract. With nicotine nasal spray, absorption from mucosa is much faster than gum and the blood level achieved are comparable with cigarette smoking. Nicotine aerosol has irritant sensation in nose but it is still the attractive option in switching from cigarettes. Nicotine patches application on skin promotes slow absorption of nicotine from the skin .It is devoid of sufficient sensory stimulation involved in smoking. It has limitation in alleviating withdrawal symptoms during smoking cessation therapy. Practically more useful are nicotine gum, transdermal nicotine patch, nasal spray and antidepressant bupropion. They are equally effective and safe, doubling quitting rate. Study indicates less than 5% drop out rate due to adverse effects if these drugs, but combination is superior in effects compared to single drug (Gibson 2003).Combining medication with counseling by nurse boost the quit rate. Nurse explains side effects of NRT like headache, nausea, dizziness, palpitation, dyspepsia, hiccups, insomnia, myalgia, anxiety, and irritability to patients before starting it. For many novice ex-smokers major difficulties emerge after initial euphoria of successfully having overcome the first week of withdrawal symptoms. The more complex task then begins to manage and overcome withdrawal symptoms for longer term for successful outcome. NRT forms the mainstay of management of withdrawal symptoms. There are differences in response from various types of NRT .In case of heavy smokers( more than 20 cigarettes a day) 4mg nicotine gum is more effective than 2mg. In medium to heavy smokers standard patch of 21 mg is more effective than lower dose patch. Treatment with NRT is continued for 10 to12 weeks with gradual withdrawal. If person is unsuccessful in quitting after 3 months, the treatment is again reviewed. (West 2000) Addition to anti-smoking measures, nurse should check effectiveness of inhaled drug, it’s technique and if they are symptomatic despite short acting bronchodilators. Nurse also takes care of nutrition and vaccination in COPD case. Nurse led clinic for smoking cessation is a part of pulmonary rehabilitation program which involves exercise and education over 6to 8 weeks to anyone who feels that COPD is affecting quality of his or her life. It is closely related to health promotion by creating an environment and providing education for improving personal and community health. Educating people to change behavior and empowering them to take actions leading to smoking cessation are essential elements of smoking cessation clinics. References Corti C., (1931). A history of smoking. London: George G. Harrap Department of health, Office of National statistics, (1997). General household survey. London: HMSO Gibson g., Duncan G., costabel U., Sterk P., Corrin B.,( 2003). Respiratory medicine, 3rd edi, vol. 1 p 645. London: Elsevier Hubley J (2002). Health empowerment, health literacy and health promotion putting it all together. http://www.hubley.co.uk/1hlthempow.htm (Accessed on May 14, 2005) Irwin J (2005). Health promotion theory in practice: an analysis of Co-Active Coaching. International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring ,vol-3, no-1.http://www.brookes.ac.uk/schools/education/ijebcm/vol3-1-a-morrowirwin.html! (Accessed on May 14, 2005) Macfadyen L., Hastings G., Mackintosh A., ( 2001). Cross sectional study of young people-awareness and involvement with tobacco markets. BMJ. 322, pp 512-517. Murry C., Lopez A., (1997). Alternative projections of morbidity and disability by cause, 1990-2020: Global burden of diseases study. Lancet: 349. 1498-1504 NICE guidelines (2004). Management, treatment and cure of COPD. British journal of nursing ,vol.13, no18, pp1100-1103 NICE; (2004). Guidelines to improve patients with COPD. London : NICE Percival J. (2004).Make use of all resources to quit smoking. http://www.professionalnurse.net/nav?page=pronurse.articleresource=1454302fixture_article=1454302category=RESPIRATORY_CARE. (Accessed on May 14 , 2005) Pety R., Darby S., Deo H., (2000). Smoking, smoking cessation and lung concern in UK since 1956.Combination of national statistics with two cases control studies. BMJ, 321, pp 323-324 Price D., Foster J., Scullion J., Freeman D., (2004). Asthma and COPD. London: Elsevier Roberts M., Lowe D., Bucknell C., (2002). Clinical audit indicator of outcome following admission to hospital with acute exacerbation of COPD. Thorax, 57, pp 137-141 West R., McNeill a., Raw a., (2000) .Smoking cessation guidelines for health professionals: an update. Thorax, 55, pp 987-999 WHO, (2002), reducing risks, promoting healthy life. Geneva : WHO Legally Binding Undertaking I, Paulatsya Joshi, undertake that in line with my contractual obligations this work is completely original, and has not been copied from any website or any other source, either in whole or in part. By submitting this work I understand that if my work is found to be plagiarised that I will not only forfeit my fee but also be subject to legal proceedings in order to recover damages for loss of profit and damage to business reputation. Moreover, I understand that I may be subject to legal proceedings from any third parties, such as the end clients and copyright holders of the original work who may have had their rights infringed or suffered loss as a result of my actions. I also understand that in addition I will be liable to a  £100/$200 administration charge and that I may be liable for legal costs. I understand that this e-mail and the work I am submitting may be used as evidence against me if I breach this undertaking. Please take this to constitute my electronic signature Paulatsya Joshi

salem witchcraft trials cause and effect Essay -- essays research pape

In 1692 the area of Salem town and Salem village became very vulnerable to conflict. Severe weather such as hurricanes had damaged land and crops, the effects of King Phillips War began to impact New England society, and colonists were being forced off of the frontiers by Native peoples. The Church and the government were in heavy conflict. And those residing in Salem began to grow suspicious of one another when some prospered and others hadn’t (Marcus, p13). Suddenly people seemed very paranoid and soon residents were placing blame on one another and accusing each other of witchcraft. In a fifteen month period between 1691 and 1692 nearly twelve dozen people were accused of witchcraft in or near Salem (Norton, p8).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although witch trials were not uncommon in Puritanical New England, none had reached such epidemic proportions as Salem. In 1691 the mass hysteria began when several young girls dabbled in witchcraft and began acting strange. When villagers took notice the girls were seriously questioned and so they began naming people, mainly woman, who had supposedly bewitched them (Boyer, p66). Several other who had been accused were woman displayed ‘unfeminine’ behavior and those who stood to inherit more economic power than most men in the area (Boyer, p66). By 1692 the young girls had continued to make false accusations of townspeople. Many of those accused were townspeople who were more prominent than others. Villagers, such as the young girl...

Amadeus Biopic Essay

Told from the flash back perspective of an aged Antonio Salieri in an insane asylum to a priest for a confession, the movie reveals Antonio’s introduction to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, his professional career with Mozart, and his bitter rivalry and betrayal of Mozart. The film depicts an inaccurate account of Mozart’s life but still delivers on the pieces which he composed. Throughout the film, we’re exposed to what are clearly historical inaccuracies. I understand that this film is an adaptation of the original Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus performed on Broadway in the 1980’s and for purely theatrical purposes to endow the story with a plot, these changes had to either be implemented or just purely fabricated in order for the story to make sense. However, some of the erroneous interpretations of Mozart’s life are just impossible to ignore for anyone who even had even the simplest understanding of his life, such as myself. The predominant trait of Mozart that stuck out to me like a sore thumb was his high pitched cackling laughter. The movie’s laugh for Amadeus was constructed from letters that referenced Mozart having an â€Å"infectious, giddy laugh† much like â€Å"metal scraping glass† according to Forman. However, Robert L. Marshall, author of â€Å"Film as Musicology: Amadeus,† discredits this notion as there were no citations that provided the existence of such letters. Since Mozart lived over two centuries ago, there’s no possible way to know exactly how he sounded. However, the brilliant Mozart in the film is supposed to be Gods creature (The Latin translation of Amadeus translates to â€Å"lover of God† or â€Å"beloved by God†) that usurps the mediocre Salieris position as the â€Å"voice of God. † So in effect, his laugh is God mocking Salieri in his mediocrity which further drives the frustration and anger of Salieri towards Mozart thus pushing the plot along. While we’re on that subject, there is little evidence that Mozart and Salieri actually rivaled each other to the extreme that the movie depicts. Certainly, they were rivals, but they were professional rivals. By professional rivals, I mean that even though they often butted heads in their pursuit of music and their attempted publicity of their works, they still admired and respected each other greatly. Despite Salieri being the inferior musician, he still pooled great respect from Emperor Joseph II and his subjects and served as court composer, director of the Italian opera, and court conductor. Mozart on the other hand came as an outsider therefore did not possess the same influence or reputation as Salieri. To me, this just appears to be the politics of music; it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Regardless, Salieri really didn’t have a reason to hate Mozart as much as the movie shows because his influence alone virtually neutralized Mozart as a threat. I’m sure when Mozart attempted to get his operas on the Italian stages it must have certainly irked Salieri, but never to the point of violence. However, once again the fiction is created in order to develop a sensical plot line. Without that aggressive rivalry, there’s no movie. One last thing that I personally found confusing is that absence of Joesph Haydn from the entire movie. History tells us that Mozart and Haydn met somewhere 1783 or 1784 and instantly hit it off. They both admired each other’s work immensely and Mozart even went as far as to dedicate six string quartets to Haydn as a tribute to the father of the string quartet. Throughout their lives, they were in correspondence with one another up until Mozart’s death. However, despite this documented historical fact, Haydn is still left out of the movie. The movie itself is about two famous classical composers so why not add Haydn to attract Haydn fans to the play or movie? One can only guess as to why that is. Perhaps Forman thought that the addition of another prominent classical composer would ultimately lessen the importance of the feud between Mozart and Salieri. But Forman fashioned other characters throughout the film in order to serve roles that further drove the plot, so why not use Haydn instead? Or at least mention him? At one point in the film, Mozart mentions that he doesn’t care for Gluck (which is also inaccurate, he was an admirer of Gluck), but nevertheless, he still at least mentions the name. At this point it’s all speculation and I can’t find anywhere an explanation for his absence. The movie is riddled with other inaccuracies that raise a lot of questions, but if anything I learned in English is true, it’s that in order to read any literature that’s fiction or watch any movie, you’re supposed to â€Å"suspend yourself in willful disbelief† meaning that enjoy it for what it is without dissecting it too much, which I can honestly and wholeheartedly say I did. Although it doesn’t give an accurate portrayal of Mozart, Salieri or the setting it’s supposed to be placed in, it still gives an enjoyable experience. Despite the erroneous depiction, the musical pieces revealed chronologically throughout the film are in fact the offspring of Mozart’s genius. Whilst enjoying each piece as much as the next, I don’t have the musical ear or expertise to discern which piece is being played in which scene, aside from the operas. However, the films composer John Strauss created a two disc soundtrack for the film and I have to admit, even though I lack the expertise, I am astounded by Mozart’s ability. Luckily, between the internet and my own mothers personal love for music (Fortunately, she had a library of CDs that included many of Mozart’s work), I was able to essentially find each individual piece within the movie. I have to say, my favorite musical piece offered in the movie is the finale of the Don Giovanni. Perhaps some of it is because of the twist that Salieri puts on it; that â€Å"only [he] understood that the horrifying apparition was Leopald raised from the dead! The inference that I took from that between the monumental sounding music and the fervently conducting Mozart in the scene is that Mozart poured his personal misfortune of not living up to his father’s expectations in his work. It just makes it seem to be so personal, so passionate. I know that was the movies intent for me to feel that way, but I couldn’t help getting sucked in, between seeing the gargantuan black commander singing in the deep bass voice is what seems to me to be such an accusing tone allegorically â€Å"accusing his son in front of the world† as Salieri puts it. All the while the plot twists during this play, as the madness grew within Salieri as he discovers such a simple way to destroy Mozart. It’s just so epic, for lack of better words. One of the brighter operas in the film â€Å"The Marriage of Figgaro† has a much lighter note. Despite all of the red tape Mozart endures, he nevertheless through the exceptionally brilliance of his music and borderline arrogance persuades the emperor to allow him to perform his opera. While we obviously never get to see the whole thing, the music and performance we do see is good. I wouldn’t say I particularly cared for it. The colors, the notes, the lighting, it’s just too bright. However, the most impressive part of it is that his confidence in his music allowed him to break the traditional rules in order for his perform his opera. This seems metaphorically to portray the fact that Mozart’s music didn’t follow these contemporary musical rules of the time which contributed to his genius. Perhaps that’s a long stretch, but that’s immediately what came to mind. While the movie is composed (Pun intended) of Mozart’s work, it would take an entire separate paper to dissect each one individually. Regardless, each piece performed in the play is enjoyable from one degree to another. Overall, I have to say I was more than happy with this movie. For a while, I dreaded watching the movie thinking it would be a long drawn out boring biographic film, but to my surprise it shared little characteristics with a biography. The central thematic message of the movie is mostly if not entirely fictitious, but still lays a foundation in which the movie tells factual information about Mozart and sets a stage in which one can hear the pieces and enjoy them chronologically. To be frank and honest, if these fabrications of the bitter rivalry between Salieri and Mozart weren’t there, I would have had a hard time truly appreciating the Mozart as seen in the movie. Not to say his music is bad, it’s brilliant, but the underlying plot is what made the movie so interesting. Ultimately, if you’re looking for historical facts about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, look elsewhere. If you’re looking for a movie that’s interesting and loosely based on one of the world’s greatest composers who ever lived, look no further.

Hypostatizationâ€Fallacies of Ambiguity and Language

Hypostatization- Fallacies of Ambiguity and Language The fallacy of Reification- Also known as  Hypostatization- is very similar to the Equivocation Fallacy, except that instead of using one word and changing its meaning through the argument, it involves taking a word with a normal usage and giving it an invalid usage. Specifically, Reification involves ascribing substance or real existence to mental constructs or concepts. When human-like qualities are attributed as well, we also have anthropomorphization. Examples and Discussion of the Hypostatization Fallacy Here are some ways in which the fallacy of reification can occur in various arguments: 1. The government has a hand in everybodys business and another in every persons pocket. By limiting such governmental pickpocketing, we can limit its incursions on our freedom.2. I cant believe that the universe would allow humans and human achievement just to fade away, therefore there must be a God and an afterlife where all will be preserved. These two arguments demonstrate two different ways that the fallacy of Reification can be used. In the first argument, the concept of government is assumed to have attributes like desire which more properly belong to volitional creatures, like people. There is an unstated premise that it is wrong for a person to put their hands in your pocket and it is concluded that it is also immoral for the government to do the same. What this argument ignores is the fact that a government is simply a collection of people, not a person itself. A government has no hands, therefore it cannot pickpocket. If the governments taxing of the people is wrong, it must be wrong for reasons other than a too-literal association with pickpocketing. Actually dealing with those reasons and exploring their validity is undermined by eliciting an emotional reaction by using the pickpocketing metaphor. This arguably means that we also have a fallacy of Poisoning the Well. In the second example above, the attributes being used are more human which means that this example of reification is also anthropomorphization. There is no reason to think that the universe, as such, really cares about anything- including humans beings. If it is not capable of caring, then the fact that it does not care is not a good reason to believe that it will miss us after we are gone. Thus, it is invalid to construct a logical argument which relies upon the assumption that the universe does care. Sometimes atheists create an argument using this fallacy which is similar to example #1, but which involves religion: 3. Religion attempts to destroy our liberty and is therefore immoral. Once again, religion has no volition because it is not a person. No human-created belief system can try to either destroy or build anything. Various religious doctrines are certainly problematic, and it is true that many religious people attempt to undermine liberty, but it is muddled thinking to confuse the two. Of course, it should be noted that hypostatization or reification is really just the use of metaphor. These metaphors become fallacies when they are taken too far and conclusions are formed on the basis the metaphor. It can be very useful to employ metaphors and abstractions in what we write, but they carry a danger in that we can begin to believe, without realizing it, that our abstract entities have the concrete attributes we metaphorically ascribe to them. How we describe a thing has a great influence on what we believe about it. This means that our impression of reality is often structured by the language we use to describe reality. Because of this, the fallacy of reification should teache us to be careful in how we describe things, lest we begin to imagine that our description has an objective essence beyond the language itself.

Free Essays on Blood Is Thicker Than Water

Blood is Thicker Than Water The phrase â€Å"blood is thicker than water† is an important theme in William Faulkner’s â€Å"Barn Burning.† The story takes place in the Post-Civil War South. Even though there are no more slaves, there are tenant farmers who â€Å"rent† the land. These people are poor and move from farm to farm. They have taken the place of slaves. This is important to know because it means that there is a new way of life now in the South. Abner, and people like him, have no real place in this new society. The situation is out of his control and he feels he needs to fight back. The story opens up at the Justice of the Peace because Abner has been accused of burning down a barn. Everyone in town knows he did it, but due to the lack of evidence Abner is free to go; however, he is told to leave the county. Abner does not like this because he does not like to accept other people’s laws. Abner’s son Sarty sees that his older brother is just like his father and knows that one day he could end up like his father as well. While at the Justice of the Peace, Sarty realizes that his father wants him to lie about the barn burning. We get inside Sarty’s head at this point and we see that he thinks that the justice is not just his father’s enemy, but his enemy as well. Sarty still feels like he is part of the family at this point and that it is his duty, as a son, to lie for his father. After they leave the Justice of the Peace, they get in the wagon and head for some place new. That night, when the camp, Abner calls Sarty to him and they walk away from everyone. Then Abner turns to Sarty and smacks him and accuses him that he was going to tell the Justice of the Peace about the barn burning. Sarty does not reply. Abner then tells Sarty â€Å"You’re getting to be a man. You got to learn. You got to learn to stick to your own blood or you ain’t going to have any blood to stick to you†(Faulkner 181). Sarty realizes th... Free Essays on Blood Is Thicker Than Water Free Essays on Blood Is Thicker Than Water Blood is Thicker Than Water The phrase â€Å"blood is thicker than water† is an important theme in William Faulkner’s â€Å"Barn Burning.† The story takes place in the Post-Civil War South. Even though there are no more slaves, there are tenant farmers who â€Å"rent† the land. These people are poor and move from farm to farm. They have taken the place of slaves. This is important to know because it means that there is a new way of life now in the South. Abner, and people like him, have no real place in this new society. The situation is out of his control and he feels he needs to fight back. The story opens up at the Justice of the Peace because Abner has been accused of burning down a barn. Everyone in town knows he did it, but due to the lack of evidence Abner is free to go; however, he is told to leave the county. Abner does not like this because he does not like to accept other people’s laws. Abner’s son Sarty sees that his older brother is just like his father and knows that one day he could end up like his father as well. While at the Justice of the Peace, Sarty realizes that his father wants him to lie about the barn burning. We get inside Sarty’s head at this point and we see that he thinks that the justice is not just his father’s enemy, but his enemy as well. Sarty still feels like he is part of the family at this point and that it is his duty, as a son, to lie for his father. After they leave the Justice of the Peace, they get in the wagon and head for some place new. That night, when the camp, Abner calls Sarty to him and they walk away from everyone. Then Abner turns to Sarty and smacks him and accuses him that he was going to tell the Justice of the Peace about the barn burning. Sarty does not reply. Abner then tells Sarty â€Å"You’re getting to be a man. You got to learn. You got to learn to stick to your own blood or you ain’t going to have any blood to stick to you†(Faulkner 181). Sarty realizes th...

How social networks are invading our privacy Essay

How social networks are invading our privacy - Essay Example This paper examines four articles that discuss the issue of social networking and invasion of privacy as a relevant issue today. In his article that appeared in the American Quarterly in 1999, Rosenzweig argued that the digital revolution and the rise of the information superhighway has big implications on how people lived and worked. His article is actually a summary of four books describing the reactions of people at various times how technology will impact their lives. There were a lot of conflicting visions about what will happen with one side claiming a new utopia where people will be able to re-organize society and establish a new kinship of humanity by bringing people closer together (Rosenzweig 160) while critics feared new technologies, like what the telephone of an earlier era, will enable the government to have a listening box (eavesdrop) on its citizens and invade their privacy without the people knowing. The same critics said that a new technology like the Information Highway and the Internet will destroy home life, prevent people from visiting other people (instead use technology to keep in touc h), and create a new nations of slugs too lazy to go out of their homes and offices. It is technology that had shaped societies in the past and it is the same technological changes that shape society today. The important thing about technology is that it is socially neutral and it is how people will use technology that determines the outcome or the ensuing changes that occur. Social networking sites operate and thrive under the open access policy of the Internet as the World Wide Web is conceived as the best example of liberal democracy where the individual person is a superior being entitled to protection of his rights as enshrined in democratic laws. However, this vital aspect of rights protection is conveniently ignored at times by some evil people who make other people who use these social networking sites

Romeo and Juliet Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Romeo and Juliet - Assignment Example The ceremony started with melodious music being played. Paris was with his best man on the altar waiting for his bride to arrive. He was blushing with joy and very happy which showed on his face. There was a silence that was music in itself as the bride, Juliet, entered. She walked down the aisle smiling but clearly showed signs of nervousness. All eyes were on the beautiful bride but there was something missing in her. Even though she was very beautiful, the glow of a happy bride seemed to be missing. Paris broke into a smile as Juliet stepped on the altar to join him. Clearly he was on cloud nine, and the nervousness of Juliet vanished as she stepped on the Altar. They made their vows in front of the guests and she they pronounced husband and wife by Friar Laurence soon after. They had their first kiss as a couple. They showed at the balcony where citizens of Verona were waiting to get a glimpse of the couple. The couple had their first kiss in public, then waived to the crowds. They walked hand in hand into the chapel again. Lord Capulet had held a dinner party attended by everyone who is anyone in Verona. The dinner was followed by dance where Paris and Juliet had their first dance as a couple. The day in great style as it had

STARBUCKS TIME MANAGEMENT Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

STARBUCKS TIME MANAGEMENT - Research Paper Example It is the largest coffeehouse worldwide. The organization structure of Starbucks focuses on the incorporation of corporate social responsibility into their department. Their strategy involves good sourcing, high level environmental performance in the development, and creation of new stores. They involve working together to be respected partnership in their communities and communicate their corporate social responsibilities. The type of organization structure of Starbucks is a functional structure which is comprised of all the departments that are required in an organization for smooth production of its goods and services. The organization structure is headed by the Chief Executive officer (CEO). In the year 2001 to 2005, Orin C. Smith was the President and CEO of Starbucks. Howard Schultz is the originator of the company, who is also the chairman. The Starbucks Company operates under the matrix organization structure. Their operation is under four U.S divisions, including Western Pacific, North West Mountain, South east pl ains and North east Atlantic. Under the CEO in the matrix structure, in the other divisions, there is the President, International Retail, Legal and Corporate Affairs, Finance, Supply Chain Operations, Marketing, Human Resources, Legal and Worldwide Public Affairs. The advantage of having this kind of structure is that it leads to maximized communication channels. Starbucks second part of the structure is the continuation of support functions, which operate at their individual departments supporting their shared goals and visions (Jones, 2005). There are 4 functions of management and every organization structure does play a role. They are; Planning, Organizing, Leading and Controlling. In Planning, it involves creation of business mission and objectives and establishing how to achieve. Those at the top of the organization hierarchy are mostly the ones involved since they have to identify the

Hello 9th Grade Essay Example for Free

Hello 9th Grade Essay School experiences are helpful for the development from child to young adult. Students grow together and experience the good, the bad, and learn from one another. School is all about change and growth. Especially when moving up a new grade. When entering the hall of high school it is time to say â€Å"hello 9th grade†. In high school you have AP classes so; in my AP class I will learn difficult lessons. Even with AP class I still need to try my best so, this year I will push myself even harder. Lastly, I want 9th grade to change me and set goals for my life. To start off, AP classes are a valuable tool for students. There are so many AP classes such as, World History, U. S. History, Biology, Physics, Calculus, and Spanish Language. For students, they provide an opportunity to earn college credits early, and demonstrate that a student is ready to take on a challenge. AP classes require a high level of critical thinking and in order for me to pass I will need to concentrate and understand my lessons. As a high school student, I have academic areas that I am weak in, but this does not mean that I will not improve my weaknesses. Normally, I do not read or push myself in something that seems too hard, but now with AP classes and new courses, I am more liable to feel the need to excel in everything. Therefore, by showing teachers I am ready to do great they will know I am a serious scholar. Personally, being able to obtain a higher education gives me an opportunity to be better in many ways. Everyone should have any personal goals in life in order to survive and succeed in every journey that life gives. As for me, being a scholar at Albany Early College, I hope to achieve all of my goals on which I have been trying to pursue and obtain through the years. With each year that passes I hope to grow in maturity and learn to not take life for granted. I want 9th grade to teach me to be more precise and more open to stepping outside of my comfort zone. To sum up, My personality and views on life have changed immensely over the past few years. I think differently and assess situations with more thought than I use to. The experiences I had in elementary and middle school changed the way I am. I am ready to say goodbye middle school and hello high school freshman. â€Å" To take little steps that make a big one is a great gift that can prepare yourself for the real deal † Charlie Baker

Female Independence in Catharine Maria Sedgewicks Hope Leslie and Kell

Female Independence in Catharine Maria Sedgewick's Hope Leslie and Kelly Clarkson's Song "Miss Independent" Authors have addressed the topic of female independence in various literary styles, including novels, novellas, and poetry. In our society today, independence for women is one of the main topics of many songs. The concept of female independence has changed over the years; people have gone from frowning upon female independence to celebrating it. Both Catharine Maria Sedgewick and pop singer Kelly Clarkson address female behavior that now, in the 21st century, is typical for many women. In Sedgewick’s Hope Leslie, the title character portrays a young woman that defies her society’s repressive Puritanical standards; she portrays independence, courage, and outspokenness. Clarkson, in her 2003 hit, â€Å"Miss Independent† expresses characteristics common in many females of modern American society; they tend to show independence, self-sufficiency, courage, and determination. Hope, in a way, is an anachronism; she represents characteristics of a 21st century woman, tho ugh living in the 17th century. In Hope Leslie, the typical woman of the repressed 17th century Puritan society portrays a very passive demeanor; she tends to behave in a quiet and humble way. Esther Downing and Mrs. Winthrop exemplify this expected behavior. They are quiet, humble, do not express their opinions, and show domesticity – they are the perfect Puritan female. The title character, Hope Leslie, grew up â€Å"among the strictest sect of the puritans† and due to her upbringing, her loved ones expect that her behavior reflect that of women like Esther and Mrs. Winthrop (127). However, Hope does not adhere to the expectations. She depicts outspokenness, e... ...r Philip, or have any sort of relationship with him whatsoever. Instead, Hope decides that she loves Everell and wants to be with him. Once again, Hope symbolizes how the majority of women would begin to behave as the years progressed. Hope is the 17th century version of â€Å"Miss Independent.† Sedgewick uses Hope to portray a woman that has the characteristics of a typical woman of the 21st century. Hope shows assertiveness, courage, independence, outspokenness, and many other qualities not usual for a Puritan woman during the 17th century. Kelly Clarkson’s â€Å"Miss Independence† represents the average female of the 21st century, especially American women. The concept of female independence has changed drastically over the years, and it continues to change. This 21st century song bears a strong representation of an atypical 17th century female, Hope Leslie.

All or Nothing

My doorbell was the last thing that I wanted to hear on the morning of 20th September. It was the first day that I'd had off work for months so I was hoping to stay in bed for as long as I could. The doorbell rang once more and at that point I realised that my long morning in bed was never going to happen. I jumped out of bed, the same as I did every other morning, and went to the front door to answer it. There was a postman stood at the door with a small parcel that was rectangle shaped. â€Å"Good morning†, I said to the postman. He handed me the parcel and also a clip board with a piece of paper clipped to the front for me to sign, I signed the paper and went back inside. I took the parcel into my living room which was still a mess from the night before; the coffee table in the centre of the room had an empty Vodka bottle, crisp packets, and also an empty twenty pack of cigarettes. My sofas outlined the coffee table with one either side, I sat on the one that was closest to me and opened the parcel, there was a small letter inside that said: To Victoria, A present from your dearest friend, hope you like it. Love you and miss you. Love Tom x x x. At that moment, a smile appeared on my face, I missed Tom a lot when he was away, especially when they'd been for this long, he had been away for nearly two months now, and normally I'd see him twice a week or more so it was weird for me not to have him near. He was on a business trip in London and I was still miles away from him in Bristol. I had known Tom since we'd started the same secondary school at the age of eleven, since then we've gone through college and university together too. At school we'd been close and we'd always wanted to do the same kinds of things, I was quite boyish and we used to play football after school had finished and on weekends. Our relationship just got stronger as we got older and it just never seemed to leave, even when Tom moved away for a short while with an ex-girlfriend who wanted everything her way. I took the velvet container and letter and put them onto the table in front of me, I opened the container to reveal a matching necklace and earring set, they were 18 carat gold and had one small diamond in each, the necklace was a heart at the end of a chain and the earrings were also hearts and also contained a diamond each. I grabbed my mobile phone from the kitchen side and pressed 1 on the speed dial, I placed the phone to my ear and it began to ring. â€Å"Hi!† said the voice at the other end. â€Å"Tom, its Vic†, I said, â€Å"just to say thanks for the jewellery set, it only came this morning†. â€Å"Oh†, he murmured, â€Å"you're worth it, oh and Vic's what time is it?† â€Å"About 1o'clock in the afternoon, why?† I replied. â€Å"I'm late, see ya!† was the answer I got, and then he put the phone down, I knew he was already very late. I put the phone back onto the kitchen side and began to walk towards my bathroom, and seeing as I had all day to do whatever I wanted to, I was intending to have a long relaxing bath. I went into the bathroom, and started to run a bath full of water, I put bubble bath in it, I lit the candles around the edge and my nightdress over my head and threw it into the washing pile. I spent over an hour in the bath, until the water started to go cold and I had to get out because my skin was all wrinkled. I dried myself and went through to my bedroom. Once in there, I grabbed a pair of silk French knickers out of my drawer and a long, light pink satin dress. It was meant to be really hot today according to the weather reports on telly, so I thought that I would dress appropriately as normally I would be in a suit jacket and black trousers. I threw the bed sheet over the bed, and fluffed up the pillows a little, pulled open my curtains and opened the window, ready for the day to begin. I blow-dried and straightened my hair before putting on my make-up and getting dressed. I then fed the cat and opened the rest of the curtains in the apartment. I picked up my keys and my phone from on the kitchen side and went out the front door. I went down the stairs and out to where my car was parked, it was my pride and joy, a black Lotus Elise which had taken me years to save for. I drove it out of the car park and along the street towards the shopping centre. As I approached the car park, I got my card out of my purse; I paid on the card for all of my parking tickets because I spent so much time in car parks, and keeping cash like that on me all of the time wouldn't be easy. I showed the man at the kiosk my card; he took one quick glance and then returned it to me so that I could get through. I put the pass back into my purse and headed into the main bit of the car park where I found a space next to the stairs that led down to the shops. I got out of the car and locked it; I then flung my bag over my shoulder and started to walk down the stairs. The first shop at the bottom of the stairs was Monsoon, I could see in the window, the shoes that I had bought the last time I had a day off. I went into the shop, I wasn't sure what I wanted but I knew I had to buy something special to wear to Tom's welcome home party that was being held that weekend. The dress that I bought eventually, was rose red and touched the floor, it was pure silk and cost me over à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½200, the slit that went up the back was huge and went all the way up to my thighs, luckily enough I had good legs so I knew I could carry it off easily. I needed a new pair of shoes to go with the dress so I carried on walking on the path through the middle of the centre until I came to River Island, I went in and bought the first pair of black, stiletto heeled shoes that I could find. I already had a purse at home that would match perfectly with my outfit and I was planning to wear the necklace and earrings that Tom had bought me. The party was being held at Tom's mum's house, as Tom's was too small to accommodate so many people. Jane was too wealthy for her own good, she had married an older man when she'd only just left Tom's dad, the man died five years ago and left everything he owned to Jane. He was lying on millions the day he died and before Jane realised it, she was too. He left his business, his home and everything in it to her, the house alone was worth over à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½1 million. The house was on 12 acres of land and had 10 bedrooms which would be well over enough space for the party. I had known Jane for as long as I had known Tom so she was like a second mother to me, being at her house was nothing new so I wasn't nervous about that, just about seeing Tom again after so long. I had spoken to him over the phone and had written letters but this was different and I was looking forward to it so much. I had to be well prepared for this so I had written myself a list of what I needed to do beforehand. Among the other things on that list was buy new dress and shoes so I ticked them off. The last thing I did before I left the shopping centre was grab a cup of coffee from O'Brien's, they made the best coffee that money could buy so I always bought one when I was on the move. I got into my car still with the polystyrene cup that was so hot that it was difficult to carry, and put my bag down on the passenger seat. I downed the last bit of coffee and threw the cup into the bin next to the car; I then put my new dress and shoes onto the back seat and drove out of the car park. By the time I had got back to my apartment, I was knackered; I parked my car in the same place that it had been in before I had gone out this morning. I then walked into the main entrance hall and up the stairs to the door of my apartment; I opened the door and pressed the button on my phone to check for messages. â€Å"No messages†, it said slowly, beeped three times as usual, then back to normal. I picked up the receiver and dialled Jane's home number, I always tried this first as it cost me less. It rang twice and then her answer machine kicked in. â€Å"The Williams residence, sorry but we can't come to the phone right now, please try our mobiles or leave a message after the tone†, the tone sounded so I began. â€Å"Jane, it's Victoria, just to say I'll be at the party, will be there as usual early to help set up, see you then if not before†, and I put down the phone. I went into the kitchen to see it gleaming, the living room had also now been cleaned and there was no rubbish on the table anymore, the cleaner had been in. I put the kettle on, picked up my post from the kitchen side, and sat down on a breakfast bar stool to open it. The remainder of the day passed as some what of a blur, I couldn't have done anything particularly exciting because I would have remembered. I only finally looked up at the clock on my living room wall at 10 p.m. and I knew that I had work in the morning so I went to bed. The two days after were the same, work which never changed from day to day, and doing the same thing every day made me more bored than anything else. I did longer hours than I should every day because I knew I had nothing to do when I got home and this made the two days go quicker. The weekend came and I knew that Tom was supposed to be coming home. I had the whole weekend off, I wasn't intending to get drunk but just to be sure I had booked the two days which meant I didn't have to go to work with a hangover. I had all day to make myself look stunning for the night ahead; it was only ten thirty in the morning so I got out of bed and put the television on in the living room. I had to be at Jane's at five o'clock to help her with any last minute things, she was having caterers in to cook all of the food and to set most of it up but she knew that I would be sure of what Tom liked. That morning I went out and had my hair cut and my nails done, I got home and showered to get rid of the access hair that was in all of my clothes. It was now gone 1 o'clock in the afternoon so I pulled a microwave meal out of the freezer and put it in for five minutes. I didn't have the time to do something proper, today was going to be quite busy for me, I still had to get ready although I was clean. After I had finished the meal, I put the dish in the dishwasher and tidied the kitchen again so it looked presentable; I only just had enough time now. I got dressed up to my waist; I didn't want to get make-up on the top of my dress so I put that part on last. I blow dried my hair and straightened it, did my make-up, put on all of my jewellery, including the necklace and earring set that Tom had sent me and then put the rest of my dress on properly. I put my shoes on and left and left at a quarter past four. When I got to Jane's, the place was deserted, there was nobody to be seen anywhere. It was quite early, and Tom wasn't due until around six. Jane came to the front door to greet me, so I parked the car and got out. I followed her through the entrance hall and into the living room which looked amazing as usual, but today the walls were covered in welcome home banners. I then joined her in the dining area situated next to the living room; the table was laid with the most beautifully presented food which I knew she hadn't cooked. A man, who turned out to be the bar manager for the night, was putting the finishing touches to the bar at the other end of the room, more bar staff would come later to help him with catering, waiters and waitresses to carry around the drinks on trays. I couldn't wait to see Tom; he was always away when I came around to see Jane, he only ever came home for a while and then he was off again to some business meeting or other. Jane noticed the earrings and the necklace and I told her that Tom had sent them to me. She complained because she said that he never sent her presents and said that he spoilt me, which was mostly true; he did always send me presents from wherever he was staying, even if it was only a t-shirt or a key ring with the name of the hotel on it. The last guest arrived at five thirty; Jane and I greeted them at the door and took their coats. Finally at ten past six a taxi pulled up at the door and out leaped Tom, as happy as ever with that same smile on his face as I had first seen so long ago. I was so glad to see him, even if at that moment it was only through the window. The door knocked and I stood behind Jane as she opened it. Tom threw his arms around his mother like a child, a finger just tapping me as his hand passed. Tom screamed my name as soon as he noticed that I was there, he then pulled me into his chest so that I could put my arms around him for the first time in ages. â€Å"Welcome home†, I squeaked, I couldn't breathe very well because he was holding me so tightly. He spent the next half an hour greeting people and thanking them for coming, and then he came back over to see me. We talked for a while about his trip and about how we both were; he looked great, although a little tired from the journey. He noticed that I had the earrings and necklace on that he had bought me and I thanked him again, he told me that I looked beautiful and I could feel myself getting embarrassed and going red. He just smiled. Out of the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of Jane coming from the dining room, she winked and smiled when she saw us together, she had always thought that Tom and I should have been a couple but we had let her down after we had split up years ago. â€Å"Wanna dance?† He asked me. We stepped into the centre of the living room where Jane had made a space for everyone to dance in. He span me around, and I laughed, we danced for a while to a song which I recognised from my childhood. He kissed me as the song ended and I knew that Jane was watching us. In that moment I felt something which I hadn't felt with Tom since we were together, and then I heard a voice. I knew even before I looked that it was Jane, stood there hands on hips and giggling. â€Å"What?† Asked Tom, â€Å"it was just a friendly kiss†. I agreed with him and Jane walked away. It was now quite late, and most of the guest had left, the few that hadn't were getting coats and saying goodbye to each other. â€Å"Fancy coming back to mine for a bit?† he asked, â€Å"for coffee or something?† I answered almost immediately, â€Å"yeh, sure†. We phoned a taxi from Jane's house and got to Tom's just after midnight. He paid for the taxi and we got out. Once inside I sat on the sofa in my usual place next to the window, he got up to make coffee and I suggested wine instead. He put the two glasses down on the table and opened the bottle of wine, he poured wine into both the glasses and handed me one. We toasted â€Å"to love and all of life's other pleasures†. We talked some more about his trip and after the third glass of wine he moved closer to me, I wasn't really sure what to do. He touched my face and pulled me closer to him, we kissed, and not just a little one this time but one that lasted minutes, passion and lust filled me and I kissed back. He was caressing my hips and all up my back, he stopped the kiss just for a second and in that time I was trying to remember who I was with and what was happening. It was Tom, just Tom but for some reason it felt so right. I pulled his face back to mine so that I could kiss him again. He grabbed my hand and led me to what I knew was his bedroom. We fell to the bed still kissing passionately; he removed his jacket and his tie, and then started to undo his shirt buttons. I wanted him so badly and was so excited that I couldn't stop myself from pulling my dress over my head, shocking myself that I could be so forward. I threw it onto the floor beside the bed where the clothes he was wearing only moments before now laid. We were both now in only our underwear, I felt so calm with Tom, and I wasn't scared at all. Still kissing me, he undid the back of my bra so quickly that I didn't even notice, I had forgotten what Tom's touch felt like but now longed for him. He had taken off his boxer shorts and was now taking off my thongs, kissing and gently nibbling my breasts as he did. He started to stroke my thigh and I moved his hand up higher so that his fingers were on my clitoris, I was scratching his back and pulling him closer, begging for him to touch me more. I screamed with excitement as he slid inside me. When I woke that morning, I felt different, and then I remembered what had happened the night before. I got out of the bed still totally naked, and grabbed my clothes from the floor on the way out the door, Tom was still asleep and I didn't think that I could wake him; I just wanted to get out. When I got home I went straight into my bedroom where I cried for hours, I didn't regret the night before but I didn't want to ruin what we already had either. The phone rang beside the bed and I picked up to hear a voice which I knew was Tom's. I was crying as I answered, and Tom could tell this. He asked me what was wrong and I explained. â€Å"I want it all or nothing at all. There's nowhere left to fall when you reach the bottom, it's now or never. Is it all or are we just friends, is this how it ends, with a simple telephone call, you leave me here with nothing at all?† I sobbed. â€Å"That's what I phoned to say to you Victoria, I want you to have it all, I want us to be together properly, I'm sick of pretending that I don't love you because I do!† he answered. I told him that I loved him too, I was overpowered by shock. The next few weeks passed quickly, Jane loved the idea of us being back together again, so did all of our friends. We're planning to wed in the summer and then we want to start a family of our own. Who would have guessed that you can look love in the face for so long and not even realise that it's there. This book is a lesson for all of you, you only live once, live it to the full, don't let anything come between you and your dreams†¦